[Hydrogen cyanide: losses in samples of stored blood (author's transl)]

Blood samples were mixed with known quantities of KCN and, after various storage times, analysed for the cyanide content. In native blood the losses occurring under the same storage conditions showed an extremely wide variation. In heparinized blood, on the other hand, much better results were obtained. Blood samples containing no anticoagulant should be homogenized as thoroughly as possible prior to the analysis, e.g. by means of ultrasound treatment.